Great Scottish Squirrel Survey returns in Autumn

The 2024 Great Scottish Squirrel Survey has been launched by Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS). 

This Red Squirrel Week, SSRS are calling on people all over Scotland to get outside, explore nature and be on the lookout for tufted ears and bushy tails for sixth annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey.

SSRS is a partnership project that is working to ensure red squirrels continue to be a part of Scotland’s special native wildlife.

While over 75% of the UK’s remaining red squirrels are found in Scotland, their numbers have fallen drastically in recent decades.

This is largely due the spread of the invasive non-native grey squirrel, which was first introduced from North America by people in the late 1800s. Grey squirrels also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm them but is deadly to reds.

With the help of partners, landowners and local volunteers, the project is monitoring squirrel numbers across Scotland, managing the impact of squirrelpox, and helping to combat the spread of grey squirrels in key strategic areas.

With the recent high-profile sighting of a red squirrel - one of the most southerly red squirrel sightings in Scotland's central belt in decades - it is hoped that more people than ever will take part. People are encouraged to report sightings of both red and grey squirrels between 30 September - 6 October to provide a snapshot of the situation on the ground.

What makes the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey so great is that anyone can take part from anywhere in Scotland. Areas of known squirrel territory are equally important as those where few squirrels have been seen before. You can view all the previous sightings records here.

Reporting a squirrel sighting is one of the simplest things that anyone can do to help protect Scotland’s red squirrels. Red Squirrel Awareness Week (30 September – 6 October) is the ideal time for a nationwide squirrel survey. Autumn is a fantastic time of year for squirrel spotting— they are often more visible than usual as they busily gather food, preparing themselves for the colder months ahead.

By taking part you’ll be doing a small act to help protect one of Scotland’s most iconic yet threatened species, while joining in a mass citizen science event.

SSRS has been collecting public squirrel sightings since 2010, last year they received a massive 17,016 sightings with the help of the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, giving them their second highest recording year to date.

The data not only improves understanding of how squirrel populations are changing over time, but it also helps SSRS take direct conservation action.

Public sightings are more important than ever and play a key role in informing red squirrel conservation efforts. Each squirrel sighting reported during the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey will provide a detailed snapshot of the current situation on the ground.

Each sighting SSRS receive is verified by a member of their team before being added to an online sightings map. SSRS anticipate that the data collected during the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey will be verified, collated and published by December 2024.

Share your Great Scottish Squirrel Survey photos and stories with SSRS by using the hashtag #GreatScottishSquirrelSurvey.

If you are a member of a community group, wildlife organisation or visitor attraction in Scotland you could help spread the word or even host your own Great Scottish Squirrel Survey event. You can find out more in the campaign toolkit and contact SSRS to discuss.

And, don’t forget to follow the campaign on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for the latest Great Scottish Squirrel Survey news.

Access the survey at: Great Scottish Squirrel Survey